December through mid-April is considered peak travel time in Hawaii because a lot of people are traveling for the holidays or escaping winter weather.
A flight from Honolulu to Kona only takes 45 minutes. Consider taking a helicopter tour over Kilauea for stunning views of the world’s most active volcano.
Some airlines fly directly to Kahului from the western U. S. , but if that doesn’t work for you, you can also hop on a 45-minute flight from Honolulu to any one of the 3 airports on Maui: Kahului Airport (the main hub), Kapalua Airport (in West Maui), or Hana Airport (in East Maui). Check out Waianapanapa State Park to see a black sand beach.
Staying in Oahu is a great budget-friendly option if you only have a few days for vacation and don’t want to spend more time traveling.
You can fly directly to Kauai from Los Angeles or take a short 40-minute flight from Honolulu to Lihue.
Round-trip airfare: $600 per person = $1,200 total Hotel or rental cost: $200 per room x 6 days + $30 hotel tax = $1,230 total Dining and entertainment: $80 per person, per day = $960 Transportation (rental car, taxis, rideshares): $40 per day = $240 total Discretionary funds (shopping, tours, island ferries): $40 per person, per day = $240 total
For instance: 1) Go snorkeling in Shark’s Cove; 2) Take a helicopter tour of Kilauea; 3) Eat at Duke’s Waikiki, 4) Go to the Hale Koa Luau. To create a visual guide, print out a map and circle places you’d like to go. Don’t feel like you need to schedule your days down to the hour (unless you want to).
Different countries may require your child under 16 or 18 years of age to have a child or adult passport, so check ahead of time if you’re traveling with teens or children. Make a photocopy of your passport and pack it in a safe place in case you lose your passport on your trip.
Use a booking site like Kayak, Expedia, Orbitz, or CheapOair to find discount flights from cheaper airlines. Use frequent flyer miles if you have them. Be flexible with your dates—flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays is typically cheaper than flying on other days of the week.
Hawaiian Airlines also offers flights between the islands, including less-busy ones like Lanai and Molokai. Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Airlines also offer direct flights to Oahu (Honolulu) from the west coast and some major hubs (like Chicago and Houston).
The flight from Los Angeles lasts 6 hours, so there’s time for a long nap! From November through March, the time in Hawaii is 2 hours behind the west coast (otherwise, it’s 3 hours), so consider the time change if you’re flying with children.
The lowest average booking rates typically show up 21 to 28 days before the date of arrival.
A rental property is a great option if you want to stay away from tourist traps. Look for a rental property with a kitchen so you can cut down on dining costs by cooking your own meals. As a plus, you’ll gain experience using fresh, local ingredients you may not be able to find back home!
If you plan to rent a car, go ahead and bundle it into your package for a cheaper rate.
Depending on your cabin selection, cruise prices can vary from $1,200 to $4,500 (and up). As an alternative, you can fly into Honolulu and take a 7-day cruise around the islands.
Most types of traveler’s insurance covers the costs of travel cancellations and delays as well as lost, stolen, or damaged luggage.
Pack a few sweaters and light pants for winter evenings that get down to 65°F (18°C). An umbrella, poncho, and rain boots or close-toed shoes may come in handy if the forecast predicts lots of rain. Swimsuits, coverups, and flip-flops are useful year-round! If you’ve planned to go hiking, you’ll need some sturdy hiking boots, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and other protective clothing.
If you want to bring a small dog, you’ll need to provide proof of an OIE-FAVN rabies blood test 120 days before your arrival date. The dog must also be microchipped and you and your veterinarian need to complete health-history paperwork and submit it to your local government’s state department.
If you’re arriving at night, pack a jacket or light sweater in case you need it to and from the airport. If you’re traveling with children, be sure to pack snacks and sources of entertainment to keep them busy on the flight.
A taxi from the airport typically costs $35 to $45 depending on traffic and the distance while a local shuttle may cost anywhere from $15 to $25 or more depending on how far you’re going. If you’re staying in a hotel or resort, they may offer a free (or discounted) shuttle service from the airport to the site. If you get in so late that nearby restaurants are closed, check your hotel to see if room service will be available by the time you arrive.
There’s no ferry service from Honolulu to Kauai, but a flight only takes 40 minutes. You can take a ferry from Maui to Lanai or Molokai. The Molokai Ferry only takes 90 and departs twice a day. The Lanai Expeditions Ferry departs 5 times a day and takes only 45 minutes. Perfect for a full day of serenity and whale-watching!
Aloha (ah-lo-hah) can be used to say “hello” or “goodbye. " Mahalo (muh-hah-lo) means “thank you,” so use it often!
Leave any valuables and large amounts of cash in your hotel room safe or hide them somewhere in your rental home. Thieves target rental cars, so don’t leave any cash or valuables in there either if you choose to get one. Always keep your cell phone charged in case of an emergency. If you’re staying in a hotel, ask someone at the front desk what parts of town you should avoid walking alone at night. Keep a list of important numbers handy. The police emergency number is 911 and the non-emergency number is 808-935-3311. [23] X Research source
Always check the weather conditions before planning to hike, surf, bodyboard, sightsee, or do anything in nature. Get information about hiking trails ahead of time so you know where to find emergency stops and other amenities. Know your limits when it comes to climbing, hiking at high altitudes, surfing, paddleboarding, and bodyboarding. If it’s your first time trying any new activity, take it easy. Keep an eye on the clock when you’re hiking and turn back so you won’t be hiking at night.
If someone places a lei around your neck, thank them (“mahalo”) and wear it proudly. Don’t take it off in front of them, even if it’s itching your neck. If you meet a new friend and they invite you into their home, always take your shoes off before you step through the door. Don’t try to take black sand or lava rocks—it’s considered disrespectful and is believed to bring bad luck! Be kind and courteous to locals on the beaches and roadways (i. e. , let them pass if you’re on a sightseeing drive and don’t invade their beach or surf space).
When you say “aloha” as a greeting or salutation, understand that it means much more than just “hello” or “goodbye. ” In a way, you’re saying, “I see you, I respect you, and I wish you the best, my friend!”
